Jake Armstrong hoping Wharfedale can upset Leeds Tykes

In their first nine games this term, Leeds have achieved maximum points as they look to secure immediate promotion – with third-placed Wharfedale to come next.

The visitors’ player-coach Jake Armstrong believes his side can put some much-needed pressure on their “untouchable” opponents at West Park.

“They’ve come down from the league above, so they have a sort of favourites tag on their back to go and get promoted again,” said Armstrong.

“So far, they’ve not really been put under any kind of pressure.

“Hopefully that’ll change on Friday night.”

Wharfedale have enjoyed a successful start this term, with a resounding 35-6 defeat of Hull last weekend seeing them total six wins and two losses.

Armstrong is nonetheless expecting a slightly different approach. He said: “It’s a completely different challenge.

“I can’t promise that we’ll score 30 points, but we’ll certainly try to put them under pressure.”

The 29-year-old is back at Leeds for the first time since playing for them in their Carnegie days.

Nevertheless, his ties are primarily with the Green Machine.

“The club’s changed a lot since I was there so it’s not the club that I grew up with, but I know people within that club will want to get back (to being professional),” said Armstrong.

“Yorkshire needs a professional club. If that’s Leeds, that’s absolutely great. If it’s Wharfedale, even better.”